Stress Engineer III

Actalent; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 84,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Stress Engineer III in Plano, TX, to perform advanced finite element analysis for aerospace and defense systems. You will handle dynamic and static stress analyses of primary and secondary structures, supported by hand calculations to validate results.

The role requires 6+ years in structural/stress engineering, strong proficiency with FEMAP/Patran/NASTRAN/ANSYS, and a solid grasp of structural mechanics.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in structural or stress engineering in aviation/aerospace or related industries.
• Proficiency with FEA tools such as FEMAP, MSC Patran, NX NASTRAN, or ANSYS; FEMAP experience preferred.
• Experience performing dynamic and static stress analyses on primary and secondary structures.
• Ability to perform engineering hand calculations to validate FEA results.
• Solid understanding of structural mechanics (stress, strain, fatigue, damage tolerance).
• Experience with multidisciplinary systems including mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and environmental control components.

Responsibilities

• Perform FEA simulations using FEMAP, MSC Patran, NX NASTRAN, or ANSYS to assess structural performance.
• Conduct dynamic and static stress analyses on primary and secondary structures.
• Perform hand calculations to validate FEA results.
• Analyze damage tolerance, durability, fatigue, fracture, and stress limits.
• Evaluate producibility, manufacturability, and cost implications of designs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support aerospace/defense technologies.

Skills

Dynamic stress analysis

Static stress analysis

Hand calculations

Structural mechanics

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering

Tools

FEMAP

MSC Patran

NX NASTRAN

ANSYS

Job description

Job Title: Stress Engineer III

Job Description

The Stress Engineer III will perform advanced finite element structural analysis to support complex aerospace and defense systems, including ground vehicle programs. This role focuses on dynamic and static stress analysis for both primary and secondary structures, using industry-standard FEA tools and engineering hand calculations to ensure structural integrity, durability, and safety. The position offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, collaborate closely with leadership, and contribute to innovative technologies across multiple engineering domains.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering simulations using finite element structural analysis (FEA) tools such as FEMAP, MSC Patran, NX NASTRAN, or ANSYS to evaluate structural performance.
• Conduct both dynamic and static stress analyses on primary and secondary structures to assess strength, stiffness, and stability.
• Execute hand calculations to validate and supplement FEA results, ensuring robust and reliable structural assessments.
• Analyze and interpret structural behavior related to damage tolerance, durability, fatigue, fracture, and stress limits.
• Evaluate producibility, cost, and manufacturability considerations in structural designs and recommend improvements.
• Assess structural dynamics, loads, and stability for complex systems, including mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronics, power plant, armament, and environmental control components.
• Perform thermal analysis to understand temperature effects on structural performance and integrate findings into design recommendations.
• Review and develop structural engineering specifications for new and existing products, ensuring compliance with performance and safety requirements.
• Recommend design approaches and modifications to meet production requirements for new or improved products and processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced environment to support the design, development, and maintenance of aerospace and defense technologies.
• Support the FSAM program and other ground vehicle-related projects by providing structural and stress analysis expertise.
• Document analysis methods, assumptions, and results clearly and accurately to support design decisions and project reviews.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in structural or stress engineering, preferably in aviation, aircraft, aerospace, or closely related industries.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) using tools such as FEMAP, MSC Patran, NX NASTRAN, or ANSYS, with FEMAP experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience performing both dynamic and static stress analysis on primary and secondary structures.
• Strong ability to perform engineering hand calculations to verify and complement FEA results.
• Solid understanding of structural mechanics, including stress, strain, fracture, fatigue, damage tolerance, and stability.
• Experience analyzing complex structural systems involving mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, power plant, armament, and environmental control components.
• Ability to conduct thermal analysis and integrate thermal effects into structural evaluations.
• Bachelors degree in Structural Engineering, Stress Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Proven capability to work effectively in a challenging, fast-paced engineering environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with attention to detail in structural assessments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or ground vehicle programs.
• Background in evaluating producibility, manufacturability, and cost implications of structural design choices.
• Familiarity with damage tolerance and durability requirements for aerospace and defense structures.
• Ability to recommend design improvements based on analysis results and production requirements.
• Strong communication skills to document findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Comfort wearing multiple hats in a mid-sized integrator environment with direct access to leadership.
• Interest in contributing to both current and next-generation aerospace and defense technologies.
• Understanding of safety and reliability considerations in complex structural systems.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced, professional engineering environment primarily within an office setting, with periodic visits to hangars as needed to support programs and interact with hardware. The position is part of a mid-sized integrator where team members work closely with leadership and have broad visibility across projects rather than being limited to a narrow role. The work involves regular use of advanced engineering software tools such as FEMAP, MSC Patran, NX NASTRAN, and ANSYS on modern computer workstations. The culture encourages taking on diverse responsibilities, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to innovative aerospace and defense solutions. A competitive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with a generous matching program, supports long-term career growth and financial well-being. Professional, office-appropriate attire is expected, with suitable adjustments when working in or visiting hangar areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plano, TX.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $73.90 - $73.90/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Plano,TX.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.